Learning Activity 8: Rough Vacuum System Pump-Down Time

This 9-page learning activity is from the Introduction to Vacuum Technology Student and Instructor Laboratory Manuals that accompany the Introduction to Vacuum Technology E-Book published by Erie Community College. The activity has students measure physical parameters of a rough vacuum system to determine the volume of gas inside the chamber and piping, use technical specification sheets to identify operational information for rough vacuum pump systems, determine pump speed, and calculate pump-down time and conductance.

A summary of learning activities, learning objectives, a suggested pre-lab assignment, theoretical background, the activity procedure, and more are included. Student learning outcomes include:

1. Use a vacuum pump's technical specification sheet to identify operational parameters.
2. Measure the dimensions of a rough vacuum system.
3. Estimate/calculate pump-down time for a rough vacuum system.
4. Practice unit conversion calculations.
5. Calculate the conductance of various vacuum piping components and their effect on the system's pumping speed.
6. Verify estimated pump-down times experimentally.
7. Practice organizing data and results using a table format.

The E-book, laboratory manuals, other learning activities, and related videos are available to view separately.